Catching Up!!

I was really overwhelmed and so everything that was unnecessary came to a slamming stop, including this blog. I missed it, but it was nice to simplify things awhile and just concentrate on the family and daily life...which for me is plenty! So here's some of what's been happening:

Cherry on a Sunday

Our family dog, Cherry passed away after 15 loyal years. I still remember as newlyweds, Don and I choosing her from a litter of active puppies. She was the calmest and was also the reject of the litter. She sat alone in a corner like a little chocolate ice cream sundae, the only thing missing was a cherry. When I approached her, she cowered as if in fear. I didn't want to frighten her so I retreated to the company of the other puppies who eagerly lapped up the attention. I was shocked when I looked down and saw Cherry come to me and look up at me with her sad eyes and rest her paw in my lap. I scooped her up and smothered her with affection and she became ours. She has had a rough time lately and we knew she was in constant pain. One night she couldn't stop yelping and some other not so pleasant things, and we knew she was dying. The kids had a difficult time as they have all known Cherry as long as their parents. We buried her in the backyard and had a little memorial service for her. Hannah remarked..."Hey Mom, it's a Sunday!! Cherry died on a Sunday!!" With tears sliding down our faces we remembered all that we could about our darling pet.

Scuba Noah

As a thank you for being my #1 helper, Noah was excited to be rewarded with a scuba lesson.

Refreshment Texas Style

Our house finally sold...we had to celebrate and get away from the constant renovations and projects , problems, and issues at our new house, so Texas was a close getaway. It was a very restful time, we lounged around, playing a little unofficial tennis, walks, basketball, swimming and doing something we rarely do at home....WATCHING TV!! Don and I are caught up on all the design trends after watching HGTV, and the kids indulged in the animal kingdom on Animal Planet.

Kitchen Cabinet Sneak Peek...stay tuned

Before and After Bath

Before:

After:

Our main floor bathroom is finally finished...except for a few little details that I am bargain hunting for, a stainless/chrome/nickel finish(basically any shiny silver metal looking finish) trash can and soap dispenser. Overall the main things we changed were: new vanity and countertop we kept the faucet, new porcelain tile floor, new light fixture, new trim, and fresh paint.

Prayers Please

I humbly request prayers for Hannah. On Saturday she was attending a program at WSU and she was playing basketball with some of the athletes. Her pinkie finger was jammed and little did we know she had a bad break that requires surgery and a pin. Unfortunately we have a family history of complications to surgery. I am requesting prayers for a complete recovery and safe surgery. Her surgery will be Friday morning, September 22nd. St. Gianna, pray for us!!

Holey Roof

Last night, our old neighborhood was pounded with softball and larger sized hail. Our friend and neighbor called and told us that we had better come and check out our roof. Even though we have already moved, they didn't forget us. We arrived to find all of our neighbors gathered and comparing the damage to their homes. Many hands do indeed make for light work. All the men shared materials and one by one they climbed the ladders to each home and worked together to cover the holes with tarps to prevent further damage and leaking. It was a beautiful sight, I think we have the best former neighbors in Wichita and they will always be our friends!

Diocesan Anniversary Mass

Today was the Anniversary Mass that has been held for over 30 years at the Cathedral. Don and I celebrated our 15th Anniversary and my sweet friend, Lisa snapped a pic of us. It was such a nice day, the Mass wasn't until 3:30PM, so we had a leisurely morning and afternoon of just organizing and cleaning. We haven't had much time to breathe let alone get organized after moving and fixing up both houses, so as boring as it sounds, it was wonderful!!

Super Easy Pancake/Maple Syrup

One of my favorite recipes and also one of the easiest is for Homemade Maple Syrup. This actually tastes very good and better than my $16 bottle from Vermont;)

1 cup water

2 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring

Boil water and sugar for 5 minutes and then add the maple flavoring. Let cool and then you can pour it into a pancake syrup bottle or maple syrup jug. Store either in the pantry or in the fridge.

My Heart Yearns...

Some friends of ours, an entire family actually, are becoming missionaries. I have been in awe of their dedication, they sold their house and all their belongings and are joining this missionary group http://www.fmcmissions.com/. If it were just me, I would be ready to go, but I think about my family......would it be safe enough?.... is it responsible? What about our families here...Don's Mother's failing health?? Am I strong enough to make the sacrifice, how about the rest of my family??? I ponder the virtues my children would learn, really living and really loving and really sacrificing. Talk about living the simple life!! We really would be completely dependant on God....for everything! You don't get to choose where you go, it's a surprise! I don't want to be the young man in the New Testament who walked away from our Lord's call because" he had many belongings" I have felt so empty with material things as of late, they don't satisfy.......I'm sure that we can find many people to serve here even in Wichita, but we in the USA have absolutely NO idea of what real poverty is. So many thoughts, as much as I am drawn to this, I know in my heart that God wants me here..... ....but still my heart yearns....maybe someday???